A new initiative called AV TEST (Automated Vehicle Transparency and Engagement for Safe Testing) will see data about self-driving car tests shared publicly.
AV TEST is being launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and pledges to give the public more insight into the ongoing tests of autonomous vehicles.
“Through this initiative, the Department is creating a formal platform for federal, state, and local government to coordinate and share information in a standard way,” said US Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
Public trust in self-driving cars remains a serious issue. AV TEST could help to improve the current poor sentiment around the emerging technology.
Nine companies and eight states have signed up to support AV TEST so far –
The companies:
- Toyota
- Uber
- Beep
- Waymo
- Cruise
- Fiat Chrysler
- Navya
- Local Motors
- Nuro
And the states:
- California
- Michigan
- Florida
- Ohio
- Maryland
- Texas
- Pennsylvania
- Utah
Deputy NHTSA Administrator James Owens told Reuters that being more transparent about self-driving tests “encourages everybody to up their game to help better ensure that the testing is done in a manner fully consistent with safety.”
Public events will be held around the country as part of the AV TEST initiative. Participants will be able to share what they’re doing to help show the wider population about the scale of testing being conducted.
An online platform will also show current testing locations and their activities. Information will include things such as routes, number of tests, dates, and how many vehicles are on the road.
Any stakeholder involved with the safe development of self-driving vehicles is welcome to join the AV TEST initiative. These can include departments of motor vehicles, departments of transportation, highway safety offices, and city governments, developers, manufacturers, suppliers, operators, and testers.
More information about the AV TEST initiative can be found here.
(Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash)
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